saketshubham
★★★★4.0Wrote on 20 May 2019
Located within the temple, has high historical importance
Was covered when we visited, it is said that if you see in the well and are able to see your reflection then you have the blessings of Lord Shiva. Unfortunately, has been covered now.
manansomani
★★★★4.0Wrote on 27 Mar 2018
full of history
its actually the well of truth and the truth is that when the mughals attacked the temple the head priest threw the shivlinga itno the well to protect it and then jumped in himself to take care of the shivling.
LuizDutraNeto
★★★★4.0Wrote on 1 Nov 2016
The "Well of Knowledge" at Varanasi's heart!
According to historians, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (son of legendary Emperor Shah Jahan) destroyed the old "Kashi Vishwanath Temple" and built, over its ruins and remnants walls, in 1664, the "Gyan Vapi Mosque", named after a well - "Gyan Vapi Well" (or the "Well of Knowledge", or the "Well of Wisdom"), located within its premisses. Legends mention that the sacred "lingam" of the original temple was hidden, by Hindu priests, inside "Gyan Vapi Well", in order to avoid its destruction by Aurangzeb. This single fact attributes a holy character to "Gyan Vapi Well" and its waters. The mosque follows the Mughal architecture style and its façade is modelled after iconic "Taj Mahal's" main gateway, the famous "Darwaza-i-Rauza". Later on, in 1780, just adjacent to the mosque, "Kashi Vishwanath Temple" was rebuilt and sacred "Gyan Vapi Well" happened to be located right between the mosque (also known as "Alamgiri Mosque") and the holy temple (most commonly referred as the "Golden Temple"). Therefore, the area - sacred for two religions - remains a potential point of conflict between Hindus and Muslins. Entry is restricted and severe security measures are applied. Before going, check carefully with your guide if visiting the mosque, well and temple would be possible, as non-Muslins are generally not allowed in the mosque, and non-Hindus in the temple. There are also some restrictions on photographing both monuments. If you are not able to get inside the attractions, stroll along "Vishwanath Gali", a popular market, with hundreds of shops selling "poojas" goods and sweets, as well as many other articles, and where bargaining is highly recommended. Ideal place for buying small souvenirs to take back home. Enjoy!
TrvlBlue
★★★3.0Wrote on 5 Nov 2014
interesting from historical angle .... but
Poorly maintained and unkept place . those with interest in historical facts might still look for it. but others will rather spend time and have fun in the baba gali with shops lining on the two sides.. the approach road leading to this place
350satisht
★★★★4.0Wrote on 11 Jun 2013
Gyan Vapi Well-Holy well -Well of wisdom-containing original Shiv-Lingam
This is a very holy religious and must see place for Hindus.According to the history, Alamgir (Aurangjeb) ordered for demolishing the original Shiv temple ,to make the mosque ,which is present at this site-called Gyanvapi mosque.When the mason were demolishing the temple, its original Shiv-lingam jumped from the the temple site into the nearby well-which is now known as Gyan-Kup or Gyanvapi well.The present famous Viswanath temple was made later on by monach of Indore Ahilyabai Holkar. I visited this place many times,.either before or after having Darshan of Viswanath Temple. This time I visited only Gyan-vapi well and offered flowers..This is more pious than present Shiva Temple. Satish Tripathi Gorakhpur
